The City of Greater Geelong and Japan Australia Cocreation Foundation (JACF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalising a commitment to collaboration, investment and innovation.
With Japan being one of Australia’s most important economic partners, we aspire to be the country’s leading regional hub.
There is strong Japanese interest in several sectors that align closely with Geelong’s economy and our UNESCO Creative City of Design designation, such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, innovative design, research, digital innovation and creative industries.
JACF is a not-for-profit organisation that connects Australian and Japanese startups, investors, industry partners and research institutions to accelerate collaboration, market expansion and commercialisation opportunities.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM and David Buchanan from JACF signed the MoU at Wurriki Nyal’s Global Hub on Friday, witnessed by other JACF representatives and Japan’s Consul General Tokuro Furuya.
The agreement paves the way for collaboration on renewable hydrogen, battery storage technologies, smart city technologies, cultural tourism, sustainable urban development, design for ageing populations and more.
As part of the alliance, a Geelong Japan Australia Cocreation Centre will be established at Wurriki Nyal’s Global Hub. The centre will serve to strengthen innovation, commercialisation and business efforts between the two nations.
Mayor Kontelj
The MoU will be integral to our region’s continued growth and prosperity.
It was a pleasure and honour to meet with our JACF partners to discuss the strategic benefits the MoU aim to bring.
This agreement provides us with an opportunity to strengthen relationships in these growth sectors, showcase local innovation and identify future economic, cultural and investment opportunities aligned with Council’s strategic priorities.
This could mean further diversifying our local economy, creating new jobs and enhancing Geelong’s international profile.
We look forward to seeing the progress of the new Geelong Japan Australia Cocreation Centre at our Global Hub.
We have made a clear and meaningful demonstration of commitment to collaboration and long-term relationship building with Japan.
We also thank outgoing Consul General Tokuro Furuya for his ongoing interest in our region and support for a Geelong-Japan collaboration, having visited Geelong more than 10 times in his two-year tenure.
JACF’s David Buchanan
Japan has been one of Australia’s most important and trusted partners for many decades.
That relationship has been built not simply on trade, but on mutual respect, long-term commitment, investment and personal relationships.
Our region has a proud manufacturing history, but it is also increasingly a centre for advanced manufacturing, composites, clean technology, research, robotics and new industrial capability. Japan brings world-leading expertise in many of these same areas.
That creates a very practical opportunity for us to work together – connecting companies, universities, governments and researchers; encouraging investment; developing new technologies; and, most importantly, turning conversations into real projects and commercial outcomes.
Consul General Tokuro Furuya, thank you for your support and the genuine focus you have placed on strengthening the relationship between Japan and Victoria – and, importantly for us, between Japan and Geelong.
